7 9 September 2005

News:

The European Parliament has once again rejected a Draft Framework proposal supported by the UK, France, Ireland and Sweden, which would require data retention of call traffic, short message services and e-mails processed by telecommunication providers for up to three years.

Internet advertising revenues (US) for the first six months of 2005 were approximately $5.8 billion, setting a new record and representing a 26 percent increase over the first half of 2004.

Google has rejected claims from the Authors Guild that its Print Library Project breaches copyright.

Features:

Government again delays WEEE Directive
New International Biometric Standards
IT company agrees landmark damage limitation measures with trade union
Office of Fair Trading launches consultation on the guide for businesses about the Distance Selling Regulations.
False start for advertisers during the Olympics
OECD report suggests traditional telecommunications role and legislation be reviewed
Ofcom to launch examination of the web-based calls market

The founders of Google famously take as their company motto: do no evil. The founders must be somewhat concerned that in the eyes of some the company that once epitomised internet cool is now described as “the $90 billion search engine and advertising juggernaut”.

The pages of this journal often illuminate legal challenges posed by the burgeoning relationship between media, communications and technology. One underestimated skill required in this converged world is the ability to understand ways of doing business outside one's own industry home patch. Nowhere is this more true than in the mobile content sector where telecoms, internet and content businesses are all starting to work well together after the inevitable initial getting-to-know-you period. The mobile phone is fast becoming an accepted means of consuming entertainment and information services of all kinds, which means that relationships are being struck with players in sectors which have previously had little to do with mobile networks. Those with music, film, sports, broadcast, games and gambling services as their bread and butter have been embarking on partnerships with mobile operators which continue to deepen and broaden.

Google and eBay's decision to invest in VOIP services, resulting in a marked departure from their core activities, has surprised many industry analysts. Rhys Williams and Jessica Jones of Bird & Bird assess the implications for the industry.

Collaboration between business, government and regulators is important in addressing the challenges of protecting consumer privacy. Peter Fleisher, Director of regulatory affairs at Microsoft EMEA describes how they have adopted this approach to address EU privacy rules.

A recent Dutch case has provided welcome clarification on the European regulation of 'near video on demand' (NVOD) services. Ewout Keuleers and Susanne Matthes analyse the case and conclude that more regulatory clarification of digital TV is required.

The increasing popularity of internet shopping has created huge opportunities for online businesses and correspondingly, counterfeiters. Dawn Osborne and Matt Jacob of Willoughby & Partners examine the legal options open to brand owners.

Microsoft commences action
Television without Frontiers Directive
EU invests €1 billion into ICT Research
UK makes electrical waste progress

Domain Names: Societe Air France v Virtual Dates, Inc
Employment: P Taylor v Weatherseal Holdings Ltd
Trade Marks: Phonenames Ltd v 1-800-flowers.com